Tiesj Benoot's Classics Aspirations Derailed by Back Injury and Surgery

Global - Ekhbary News Agency

Tiesj Benoot's Classics Aspirations Derailed by Back Injury and Surgery

The highly anticipated return of Tiesj Benoot to a leadership position in the Spring Classics has been cruelly cut short, as the Belgian rider for Decathlon CMA CGM has undergone successful surgery for a herniated disc, sidelining him for the entire spring campaign. This significant setback comes just as Benoot was poised to make his debut for his new team, casting a shadow over their ambitious plans for the 2024 season.

Benoot, 29, joined Decathlon CMA CGM last winter after four impactful years at Visma-Lease a Bike, where he played a crucial support role for Grand Tour winners and Classics specialists like Wout van Aert and Jonas Vingegaard. His move was widely seen as an opportunity for him to reclaim a leading role in the sport's most demanding one-day races, a status he previously enjoyed with victories at Strade Bianche and Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne. However, these hopes have been dashed before he could even pin on a race number for his new outfit.

The team confirmed on Thursday that Benoot had suffered a disc herniation, necessitating immediate surgical intervention. Jacky Maillot, head of Decathlon CMA CGM's medical department, described the procedure as "successful" but remained cautious about providing a definitive timeline for Benoot's return to competitive cycling. Maillot stated, "He is now beginning his recovery phase; his return to competition will be depending on his progress." This open-ended prognosis highlights the unpredictable nature of back injuries and leaves a significant void in the team's Classics roster.

For Benoot, the news is a profound disappointment. "For me, it is a real disappointment to miss the Classics for the first time in my career," he expressed. "I will be the biggest supporter of my teammates in front of the TV. I am really motivated to come back on a higher level than ever before. A big thanks to the team for the confidence in these difficult times." His words underscore the personal toll of missing these marquee events, which are often the highlight of a rider's season.

The Spring Classics, particularly the cobbled Monuments, are the bedrock of the early cycling calendar, and Benoot was a cornerstone of Decathlon CMA CGM's strategy. The budget-boosted team had signed Benoot as a vital component of their ambitious long-term plans, which include aiming for top-five finishes in Monuments by 2026. Losing a rider of Benoot's calibre, especially one with proven experience and success in these specific races, is a substantial blow to their cobbled Classics squad and significantly impacts their immediate competitive aspirations.

In Benoot's absence, Decathlon CMA CGM will need to reassess its strategy. While they can still look to prodigious talents like Paul Seixas for the Ardennes Classics, their options for the cobbled races appear more limited. Another new signing, Olav Kooij, might be considered for flatter courses, but his season start has also been disrupted by illness, leaving his programme uncertain. Consequently, the team will likely rely on riders such as Stefan Bissegger, Daan Hoole, and veteran Oliver Naesen in the races leading up to the Tour of Flanders. While these are capable riders, they may not possess the same leadership pedigree or consistent results in the Classics that Benoot was expected to bring, potentially hindering Decathlon's immediate goal of cementing its status as cycling's newest super team.

Beyond the Classics, Benoot is still pencilled in for a return to the Tour de France, where he has previously ridden in support of Jonas Vingegaard. The hope remains that he can make a full recovery and return stronger, contributing to Decathlon CMA CGM's long-term objectives and demonstrating his unwavering motivation to compete at the highest level.

Ekhbary News Agency